American Journal of Tourism Management 2014, 3(1B): 51-63 DOI: 10.5923/s.tourism.201402.06

Responsible Community Based Ecotourism Initiatives in Protected Rural Areas of the Balkans: Case Studies from Serbia and Croatia

Vesna Đukić1, Ivana Volić1,*, Sanja Tišma2, Daniela Angelina Jelinčić2

1Faculty of Dramatic Arts, University of Arts, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia 2Institute for Development and International Relations, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia

Abstract Assuming that community-based ecotourism as a form of alternative tourism must embrace individual initiatives within the community, this study compares ecotourism initiatives in rural communities of Serbia and Croatia. The aim of this paper is to analyze these initiatives and develop a model of responsible community-based ecotourism, which is posible to implement in protected rural areas next to the large cities and towns in the Danube basin in the Balkan region. Bearing in mind that the involving appreciation not only of nature, but also for indigenous cultures prevailing in natural areas as part of the visitor experience, this empirical research is primarly focused on the local initiatives aimed at the quality of the visitor experience of two protected rural areas – Ponjavica (Serbia) and Kopački rit (Croatia). The model was developed in order to guide future initiatives aimed at ecotourism development in protected rural areas of the Balkans, which can meet the needs of domestic and foreign tourists, providing the surrounding villages an image of attractive tourist destinations. Keywords Responsible tourism, Community-based tourism, Ecotourism, Rural communities, Initiatives, Protected areas, Balkan, Danube, Serbia, Croatia

being analyzed are two localities in two neigbouring 1. Introduction countries - Omoljica (Serbia) and Kopačevo (Croatia). Both locations contain a nature protected area within their territory This paper addresses the issues of responsible tourism, as well as the cultural resources that are poorly evaluated community based tourism, ecotourism and integrated and used. More broadly, the development and use of these management projects in the Balkan region, where currently resources should be harmonized with the concept of there are no theoretically elaborated concepts from which responsible tourism, while for further planning and some valuable theoretical outcomes would emerge. management a community based tourism concept should be Additionally, the reason for the lack of theoretical studies of applied. This concept respects the natural and cultural the above mentioned concepts can be found in the resources and bases the tourism offer on their active use, non-existent practice of tourism in rural areas, especially of with the participation of the members of local community in its selective forms such as ecotourism. Although, there are all phases of its creation – from planning to service legally defined protected areas, as well as prescribed ways of providing and evaluation. Given that the subject of this their use (which often include sustainable forms of tourism paper are nature protected areas, the essence of ecotourism such as ecotourism and educational tourism), in reality some as a specific form of tourism should be considered and nature protected sites have only fundamental protection with aligned with the above mentioned development concepts. no concrete measures implemented. Also, protection studies In the widest sense, responsible tourism is rooted in the are often made without consulting and involvement of the concept of sustainable tourism development, which is local community and without assessing the situation on the described as „paths of development that satisfy the needs and field. wants of present generations without compromising the This paper examines the concepts of responsible ability of future generations to meet their own needs‟ [1]. community-based ecotourism, as well as the possibilities for Sustainable development emphasizes the right of local its development in the Balkan region. Case studies that are people to take part in the decision-making process and to be consulted on activities likely to have an effect on their * Corresponding author: [email protected] (Ivana Volić) well-being[2]. Responsible tourism is a tourism management Published online at http://journal.sapub.org/tourism strategy embracing potential assessment (evaluation of the Copyright © 2014 Scientific & Academic Publishing. All Rights Reserved community attractions, visitor services, organizational

52 Vesna Đukić et al.: Responsible Community Based Ecotourism Initiatives in Protected Rural Areas of the Balkans: Case Studies from Serbia and Croatia capabilities, ability to protect resources, as well as counter the tensions resulting from the more negative marketing), planning (setting of priorities and measurable impacts from uneven/unplanned development, many goals), management (protection and preparation for visitors), researchers are suggesting that tourism-dominated/interested product development and marketing to bring about positive communities should plan their evolution more systematically, economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts [3], [4], thereby taking into account residents‟ attitudes and [5]. Tourists as stakeholders in responsible tourism are rarely perceptions about its growth at the outset [3]. The most clarified by their effect on the ecosystem. Within the concept comprehensive definition of community based tourism was of responsible tourism, tourists with their ecological thinking given by the Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute, assume responsibility for sustainable practice [6]. The which claims that it is a „tourism that takes environmental, importance of this concept for the development of local social and cultural sustainability into account. It is managed communities and the pronounced involvement of local and owned by the community, for the community, with the stakeholders for the successful implementation of purpose of enabling visitors to increase their awareness and responsible tourism in rural areas of Europe was formulated learn about the community and local ways of life‟ [21]. in The European Charter for sustainable and responsible Institutional, operational and cultural limitations of the local tourism [7]. community should be taken into account when planning Each year more attention is given to the scientific research CBT. However, local initiatives are crucial for achieving devoted to these topics. Regardless of the number of papers success as they stipulate whether the CBT becomes an related to specific areas of tourism development, acceptable model for different stakeholders in the local environmental protection, local economic development and community [20]. rural development, their interrelationships and mutual Ecotourism, as the third conceptual aspect of this paper influences on development are seldom investigated. Some regards ecotourism as „a sustainable form of natural indications of possible cooperation and networking areas can resource-based tourism that focuses primarily on be found in research related to sustainable tourism in experiencing and learning about nature and which is protected areas, as in [8], [9]. Ecotourism is described as ethically managed to be low-impact, non-consumptive and inter-sectorial approach to minimizing negative locally oriented‟ [22]. Some additional characteristics of consequences for the environment and the possibility of ecotourism related to responsible project management were strengthening local cultural identity, the segment to which given by the UNEP and the World Tourism Organization. cultural tourism is mentioned [10]. They include involving appreciation for indigenous cultures In the context of the protection of natural and cultural prevailing in natural areas, as part of the visitor experience; heritage for the development purposes, recent studies often containing education and interpretation as part of the tourist mention local natural resource management and show offer; presence of small visitor groups organized by small, popular choice of activities aiming at conservation of specialized and locally owned businesses [23]. Thus, biodiversity, cultural identity and economic growth and ecotourism becomes the driver of local development through development through service activities, mainly tourism [11]. new entrepreneurial activities, particularly in the field of Although community-based tourism planning has been a social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship in rural subject in developed countries in the last two decades of the areas may be the stirring wheel of social change, progress twentieth and the first decade of the twenty first century, as and prosperity [24]. in [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [3], [17], [2], [18], [19], [20] In connection with community based tourism concept, there is not a significant theoretical work on this issue in the WWF developed the concept of community-based Balkans. The core of this concept lays in the community ecotourism describing it as a form of tourism „where the framework in tourism development. Such a framework local community has substantial control over, and „allows for some form of local control and direction on the involvement in its development and management, and a still business-oriented industry‟ [12]. It is based on a certain major proportion of the benefits remain within the level of public participation which could be viewed as either community‟ [23]. This organization further explains that the „involvement in a decision making process or benefits of concept of community depends on local „social and tourism development‟ [14], or in the best scenario on the institutional structures‟, as well as on „embracing individual both premises. As in [15], planning for the community based initiatives within the community‟. Having this in mind, tourism must involve community participation in tourism WWF outlines some guidelines for community-based planning as „a process of involving all relevant and interested ecotourism projects regarding their quality. Those guidelines parties (local government officials, local citizens, architects, encompass the attention to detail at every level of tourist developers, business people, and planners) in such a way that service; quality and accuracy of promotion and information decision making is shared‟. Building on this principle, later since all visitors in this market are increasingly looking for a studies of community-based tourism have broadened the high level of information provision; authenticity and scope of the meaning of the term and they included a wide ambience since eco-tourists respond to genuine and range of issues, among them ecological factors and local traditional values and experiences. participation and democracy [16]. Thus, in an effort to Although it was mentioned that there are currently no

American Journal of Tourism Management 2014, 3(1B): 51-63 53

significant theoretical considerations regarding the inquiry and comparative analysis of relevant documents. responsible and community-based tourism, ecotourism and its development opportunities are nevertheless debated to some extent in Serbia [25], [26], [27], and some distinctive 2. Presentation of the Research Results ecotourism destinations have emerged as well (Zasavica, Đerdap). Research studies on natural and cultural resources This paragraph would present results of the research in protected areas and their potential for the development of conducted in two communities with an aim of generating a tourism and for local development have been developed in unique acceptable model for development of similar Croatia in the last ten years. They mainly indicate that in destinations near large emitting zones in the Balcans. most of the protected areas these development potentials are The research is based on a comparative analysis of two not recognized and are not used [28]. More recent attempts case studies in Serbia and Croatia, on the protected natural of interdisciplinary research in Croatia are related to the heritage sites - Nature Park Ponjavica in Serbia (together study of the components of sustainable tourism through the with the village Omoljica) and Nature Park Kopački Rit in analysis of its environmental, economic, social and cultural Croatia (together with the village Kopačevo). dimensions, as in [29], [30], [31], and the connection In addition to the case study as research method that between natural and cultural heritage for the development of investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life tourism in protected areas [32]. These research studies were context and in which multiple sources of evidence are used carried out in a smaller number of karst protected areas and [33], there are other four methods that were used in the do not provide a complete overview on the capacities of research as well: natural and cultural resources for development purposes. 1. Observation: qualitative field research note-taking However, they indicate the necessity of involvement of local method aimed at collecting data about present situation in communities in the protected parks projects, including the rural community and current state of nature and culture areas located outside of the territory of the parks. In this with an emphasis on the organized ecotourism initiatives sense, the potential of greater area is considered in terms of aimed at changing their curent state. tourism, while cultural programs are not isolated, but are 2. Content Analysis of the initiatives presented on connected with the programs of other sectors, such as sports websites and social networks in last three years and recreation, ecology, education and entrepreneurship. (2011-2013). The analysis encompasses integrated As the number of these destinations is extremely small, research, interpretative and promotion projects in the both given the number of protected natural areas in both countries, of the communities, regardless wheather they come from this paper aims to create a draft model for the development of civil, private or public sector. responsible community-based ecotourism in rural 3. Narrative inquiry: structured interviews with communities in the Balkans, which are located in the stakeholders including public, civil and private sector with protected lowland areas near the Danube (or other large an aim to design a map of stakeholders, understand their rivers) and large cities and towns as the outbound tourist positions based on concrete activities and to collect their centers. In this respect, the paper is based on empirical answers on questions about strength, weaknesses, results of two case studies aimed at investigation of a possibilities and threats of ecotourism in protected areas. contemporary phenomenon of community-based ecotourism 4. Comparative analysis of data presented in relevant within its real life context. Case studies are presented by the documents and data collected through field research. two mentioned local communities: 2.1. Case Study of Nature Park Ponjavica Located in Omoljica village (close to the major tourist generating Village Omoljica (Serbia)1 centers: Belgrade as capital and industrial town and Pančevo as administrative center of the Southeast Banat Region, According to the Proposal for Protection of Nature Park Authonomous Province of Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia); Ponjavica, this park is characterized by „a variation of on Omoljica territory there is a protected natural park habitats in natural and semi-natural condition representing Ponjavica and strict nature reserve Omoljička ada situated on the last remains of the formerly large water and swamp the left bank of the Danube; complex diluvial area of the Danube river, as well as refuge Kopačevo village (close to the town of Osijek in Croatian for the species‟ [39], whose habitats were destroyed during part of Baranya, between rivers Drava and the Danube, water regulation. Ponjavica also represents an ecological Republic of Croatia) in the area of nature park Kopački rit. corridor connecting torn remains of the primal vegetation These communities were analyzed through multiple along the current of Ponjavica river with the ecological sources of evidence and other methods used in order to corridor of the Danube. Those characteristics can incorporate explore the potentials, as well as the degree of the this Park into Ramsar „wetlands‟ [31], ten of which exist in community-based ecotourism development in Serbia and Croatia, which are aimed at achieving quality through authenticity based on genuine and traditional values and 1 The research was conducted as a part of international project of the University of Arts in Belgrade Investigating Cultural Sustainability realized as a experiences, as in [23]. In this respect several research part of COST Actions IS1007 (European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific methods were used – observation, content analysis, narrative and Technical Research).

54 Vesna Đukić et al.: Responsible Community Based Ecotourism Initiatives in Protected Rural Areas of the Balkans: Case Studies from Serbia and Croatia

Serbia. However, this possibility was not utilized, even Yugoslavia, the festival attracted thousands of visitors and though by acquiring of an international protected status, tourists, in the last few years it is interesting only to tourist activity would be significantly altered. filmmakers, whose films in the competition, as well as small From the standpoint of legislation in the field of nature groups of local population. This is the main reason, why a conservation in Serbia, in the Proposal, it was recognized as group of young inhabitants of Omoljica started the initiative a protected area with local significance, which until recently for International Volunteer Camp Sunflower to be held did not have an international dimension. Tourism is immediately before the start of the festival, so that the local mentioned as one of the possibilities of sustainable use by and international volunteers could have time to help in the means of „increasing of diversity and volume of ecotourism organization of the festival Žisel, as well as its promotion and ethno-tourism, as well as improved tourist offer, and cultural program. Such events represent a true basis for whereby as its possible forms the following are listed: community-based ecotourism, initiated and developed by the ecotourism, fishing tourism, excursions, educational tourism local community [36]. and cultural event tourism‟ [39]. This implies the orientation All of the above, despite defined local significance of the towards local tourism market of the two closest and biggest Park from the standpoint of nature conservation, attracts the emitting destinations. As a result of the geographical visitors from all over the world, which assigns characteristics location of this protected area, these are: the capital of of international ecotourism center to the Natural Park Belgrade (distance 22 kilometers, 1,5 million inhabitants) Ponjavica and village of Omoljica. On the territory of this economic and cultural center of South Banat – Pančevo, as village community and its closest environment 2 , other one of the most polluted towns in Serbia (distance 15 cultural historical values exist that have not been identified kilometers, 75.000 inhabitants). Due to the way of life in in the conservation study, thereby its developmental function these places and high level of pollution of its environment, has not been considered at all. Pump station on the regional population has a need to enjoy preserved natural setting, hydro system Nadela in Ivanovo, built in 1897, is among which provides quality and authenticity of experience, yet them and it has not been included in the conservation regime due to the lack of promotion and attractive tourist offer, most yet, even though due to its value, it was recommended for a people are not aware that such need can be fulfilled in their conservation status, as an industrial-technical heritage3. Two immediate surroundings. Therefore, the basic research machine mills, typical for Vojvodina and wider region, have question upon which case study Omoljica is based is – how been preserved, which were built during industrialization of to steer the local initiations towards creation of tourist offer the village between 1910. and 1930. and attractive products and services that can draw in They have been classified as industrial-technical heritage4, domestic and foreign visitors? representing a way of life and work of the village population, As the basic characteristics of Nature park Ponjavica are which was primarily agricultural in the past, owing to the associated with the Danube river, which has international exceptionally fertile soil of the diluvial area of the Danube. significance, as well as the fact that a part of the international Written history of the 18th and 19th century testifies of the bicycle path “Eurovelo6”, through which around thousand fertility of the soil, when Omoljica was an important cyclists pass on their way to confluence of the Danube river geostrategic point on the border of Austro-Hungarian Empire. into Black Sea [34], goes through the Park, even now from It is recorded in this period that „fertility was colossal to the the standpoint of ecotourism, the Park has an international degree that the spreading of the manure was damaging [37]. dimension. Along with industrial-technical heritage, in the vicinity of Bearing in mind that indigenous cultures prevailing in protected Natural park Ponjavica, alongside Nadel channel, a natural areas are the basic characteristic of ecotourism, international film festival on village life Žisel, held in 2 There are 6.518 inhabitants living in Omoljica, the majority are Serbs; Omoljica since 1970, contributes to the international activity villages with significant ecotourism potentials, which have not been turisticaly of this protected area. By means of cinematic art, it bears activated, are located in in the close environment of 20-km diameter: Banatski witness to the unique cultural relationship between Brestovac – a part of Nature Park Ponjavica spans to its territory, Stačevo, known for its eponymous early Neolithic site Starčevo grad, which landed its inhabitants of Omoljica and nature, demonstrating the name to all similar sites in Balkan – Starčevo Culture. What is special about synergy of nature and culture, that is natural and Vojlovica is that an Orthodox monastery from 14th century is located on its anthropogenic factors, using arts as its means. On the other territory, now surrounded by plants of Pančevo Oil Refinery. Protected natural hand, it points out to the international perception of Omoljica monument Ivanovačka ada is located in village Ivanovo on the bank of the from the standpoint of filmmakers worldwide, who Danube. 3 Data gathered in the interview with the Associate of the Institute for participate in the competition of this festival with their films. Protection of Cultural Heritage, Jasmina Vujović and Sonja Zimonjic, M.Sc, However, local community still does not recognize this event Director of the Museum of Science and Technology; interviews were conducted as a development potential of ecotourism. Since its as a part of the research for this paper on April and May 2013 with an aim to foundation in 1970, Žisel has not been supported by town's understand their atitude regarding meaning and significance of the tourist or cultural policy, it has neither stable sources of industrial-technical heritage directly related to natural heritage of protected areas. financing, nor promotional channels [35]. Even though in its 4 Data from the file of the Museum of Science and Technology in Belgrade, first years, as an only film village in the entire former acquired in the interview with the Director, Sonja Zimonjic, M.Sc, conducted as a part of the research for this paper, May 24, 2013.

American Journal of Tourism Management 2014, 3(1B): 51-63 55

„miraculous“ spring with healing water is located, which were no initiatives for the preservation of strict nature Omoljica inhabitants used in the first half of 20th century to reserve Omoljička ada on the river island on the Danube, cure various diseases. Numerous accounts regarding this which despite getting conservation status in 1966, now is left custom and beliefs were not recorded 5 , which is why out of all preservation plans on this area. Whereby, nearby younger generations of Omoljica inhabitants and visitors to village Ivanovo received conservation status as a natural this village are not familiar with it, even though the spring heritage Ivanovačka ada7, Omoljica lost its status as a nature still exist. Not far from it, one of the oldest Orthodox reserve, which did not cause any reaction of the local Christian temples in Vojvodina is located, built in 1780, in community or interest groups, despite this destination being which liturgies are held and it participates actively in the a traditionally favorite vacation spot for inhabitants of religious life of the Orthodox population of Omoljica. In this Omoljica. church, various Patron Saint days of the village inhabitants Unlike mentioned ad-hoc initiatives, Association of are marked, which being a unique custom are included in the Environmentalists Ponjavica 8 , handles all the aspects of List of intangible cultural heritage of Serbia, closely ecotourism on the protected area of Omoljica in a associated with the social and economic development of comprehensive and long-term manner. Its long-term local communities. In the domain of intangible heritage, integrated management project (2012-2017) is aimed at hospitability and cinema tradition lasting over a century are creating a consistent and coherent concept of viable significant for the development of ecotourism in village community-based ecotourism in Omoljica. It is comprised of Omoljica. In order to honor the memory of it, two three different, yet connected groups of activities ensuring commemorative plaques were displayed in August 2012, quality and authenticity of ecotourism: research of natural upon the initiative of a village chronicler and founder of and cultural potentials for education (of visitors, local festival Žisel. First marks the hundredth anniversary of the population, policy makers, scientific and expert community), moment, when electrical current aggregators were acquired, interpretation of heritage, functioning as a preparation of while the other - 100 years since the first cinema in this part destination for visitors and promotion, aimed to attract of Banat region started operating. The plaques were visitors. The research begun by investigation of development displayed on the location of former Seleši Hotel, which was potentials and opportunities of village Omoljica, whereby widely famous for its innovations in the beginning of 20th the results were presented on the scientific conferences and century [38]. However, none of these physical artifacts and published in journals [41], in order for scientific community intangible heritage is neither protected by law, nor the means to get acquainted with the problems of the development of of its usage is prescribed, which demonstrates the lack of this village, on whose territory protected nature park is awareness about the significance of cultural heritage for the located. development of village Omoljica and other village Based on the results, project has been continued with an communities on protected areas in Serbia. The only interpretation of the forgotten intangible heritage by means exception is recently renovated Ethno House on the fringe of of popular narratives, published on the website of the the village race track. Citizens of Omoljica always loved Association, in the form of a short story9. The goals of these horses, which is why there is a race track in the village, stories are education and raising awareness of local where races are occasionally held. Ethno house of the population on the natural and cultural values, redefining of Equestrian Club, closed to the public, is an old border patrol identity of protected area and making of the recognizable house from 1900, decorated like typical Panonian house of spirit of the place [42] that can attract local visitors. The the 19th century, however it is not intended for tourists, but stories, published on the website of the Association10, are exclusively for the needs of Equestrian Club. structured in a way that each represents a particular topic Regarding the initiatives in ecology, private enterprise from village life (barn, cinema, water, mulberry tree, Žisel, BIS-Recycle Centre is advocating the action for the clean-up soil, mill, Nadela, etc.), reconstructed from written sources of Ponjavica river bed, on which organic sludge has been or memories of local population. Besides being suitable for depositing for decades. This action has not been carried out because of the lack of funding6, even though the quantity of 7 In the Study of Protection of natural monument Ivanovačka ada, as a dead biomass exceeds the possibilities of dissolution and due significant natural heritage, previous Decision on Protection from 1996 was to that the thickness of sludge continues to rise [39]. Further enclosed, which related to Omoljička ada and it has been renamed Ivankovačka delay of this action is damaging Ponjavica river, known as a ada in the new Study, without an explanation, Instutute for Nature Protection of typical pond area of a very good quality in the oasis of Serbia, Novi Sad, 2008, Annex 1. untouched nature, close to the capital, famous among 8 The Association was founded in June 2012, upon initiative of several young Belgrade citzens, with an aim of promoting of healthy lifestyle, ecotourism and practitioners of sports fishing [40]. On the other hand, there similar tourist niches, as means of safeguarding the environment and sustainable development of local community; Association Founding Document. http://www.ponjavica.org.rs/o-nama/skupstina/osnivacki-akt [Accessed on May 5 As a part of the research for this paper, local Lj.K. was interviewed, who 15, 2013] claimed that she was cured from scabies as a girl, on this spring, interview held 9 Stories on Omoljica, Association of Environmentalists Ponjavica on February 1, 2013. http://www.ponjavica.org.rs/o-omoljici/price [Accessed on May 15, 2013] 6 Interview with the company's owner Jovica Bozic, conducted on June 19, 10 Stories on Omoljica, Association of Environmentalists Ponjavica 2013. http://www.ponjavica.org.rs/o-omoljici/price [Accessed on July 30, 2013]

56 Vesna Đukić et al.: Responsible Community Based Ecotourism Initiatives in Protected Rural Areas of the Balkans: Case Studies from Serbia and Croatia guided tours, its purpose is to motivate local population to NGO is sustainable funding, since all the funds invested last participate in the development of ecotourism on the area of year were acquired from sponsors and individual donations their village. This is particularly significant, since village of the Association founders. Even though the Association school and library were not designed as memory institutions applied on three public competitions for funding in culture [41], due to which locals do not know their past, they lack and tourism, none of the projects received state support – on awareness on the natural and cultural-historical values of the both republic and province level. This demonstrates that the village and its attractiveness for domestic and international Government and responsible ministries do not recognize visitors. By their education and subsequent inclusion in the development potentials of ecotourism, even though development of ecotourism, a conflict can be prevented, activating natural and cultural heritage can contribute to the which can occur when locals do not feel the benefits of such attractiveness of Serbia on both local and international development. The interpretation has been continued by the ecotourism market. creation of tourist paths that include the most significant Numerous potentials are located in the area of Nature Park natural and cultural localities in Omoljica village. They were Ponjavica and village Omoljica: for ecology, rural tourism, conceived as a map by which walking, bicycle and canoe events, culture, religion, sports – hunting and fishing, which tours can be organized and it will be placed on the website of have not been activated for tourism or integrated in a unique the Association and available to each visitor of Nature tourist product, despite the fact that it‟s attracting many park11. visitors. The lack of top-down initiatives of administration of As a part of promotion, the Association set up an both Republic and Province, as well as local authorities, interactive web presentation containing diverse and rich aimed at planning of ecotourism and similar tourist products content, intended for the local population and visitors. (rural, cultural, heritage, event tourism, etc.) adds to this Website has been active since June 28, 2013 and it got 1200 conclusion. The research shows discrepancy in regulations, visits in less than three months. In the poll „How do you like applied in the study for protection of Nature Park Ponjavica our website?‟ 97% of visitors marked it as excellent12. Along and its attractiveness for domestic and foreign visitors. with the website, Facebook page of the Association has been Certain number of bottom-up initiatives of civil and private opened and it got 143 fans in three months. To sum up, sector (evaluation of the community attractions, visitor bearing in mind that Nature Park Ponjavica is an unknown services, organizational capabilities, ability to protect tourist destination, the statistics shows that domestic visitors resources, as well as marketing) can be noted. Most of it is are beginning to recognize its natural and cultural values. short-term, ad-hoc in nature, whereby there is only one With an aim of attracting visitors to Nature Park Ponjavica, bottom-up integration management project, conducted by the the Association organized three gastronomic and recently founded Association of Environmentalists sports-recreations events in the summer of 2013 (making of Ponjavica. Even though Omoljica municipality participates mulberry brandy, from the last remaining trees, in the in most private and civil sector initiatives, public sector lacks traditional manner, according to the old recipe; photo safari the vision of the development of the village on the protected by canoe on the river Ponjavica; a contest in making of the area and management plan of Nature Park Ponjavica, fish pot that is a part of celebration of village slava adjusted with the existing civil and private initiatives in Preobraženje). Along with the website, these events with ecotourism. From the standpoint of responsible tourism, it aproximatelly 150 participating visitors from Belgrade, demonstrates that public utility company DVP Tamiš Dunav, Pancevo and Omoljica also contributed to the promotion of as a caretaker in charge of managing Nature Park Ponjavica, local ecotourism values and attracting of visitors from the lacks planning that would define priorities and measurable two closest tourist destinations with the highest emission aims for the future development, based on which destination potential. The number of visitors was in accordance with the management, product, services and marketing to bring about ecotourism principles that this alternative form of tourism is positive economic, social, cultural and environmental organized for small groups of visitors in order to prevent impacts, could be developed and offered to the vistors. dangers to the environment and prevent socio-cultural damage, due to high number of tourists. 2.2. Case Study of Nature Park „Kopački Rit“ Located In the following period, as a part of preparation of the Near Village Kopačevo (Croatia) destination for visitors, the Association is planning the According to the Nature Protection Act of the Republic of restoration of the vineyard cottage, which is 100 years old, Croatia [43] nature is the fundamental value and one of the that would increase lodging capacities for visitors. The most significant development resources. According to this problem of all realized, as well as planned activities of this Act, Nature Park is a vast natural or partly cultivated area of land and/or sea with features of international and national 11 Data gathered in the interview with the President of the Board of importance, with a marked landscape, with educational, Association of Environmentalists Ponjavica, Zoran Dojcinovic, conducted on cultural, historical, tourist and recreational values. Economic August 18, 2013. in order to find the reasons why the civil sector undertakes certain activities to improve situation in the field of community based and other activities that do not threaten its essential features ecotourism. and roles are allowed in Nature Park. 12 News http://www.ponjavica.org.rs/vesti/obavestenja/25-vest-1 [Accessed The development of Kopački Rit Nature Park is defined on September 24, 2013].

American Journal of Tourism Management 2014, 3(1B): 51-63 57

by a number of key strategic documents: County  Visit to the Special Zoological Reserve by boats (total Development Strategy of Osijek-Baranya County 2011-2013 capacity of 125 seats) which in favorable water level [44], Management Plan of Kopački Rit Nature Park [45] and conditions float down the channels of Čonakut and New the Regional Plan of Kopački Rit Nature Park (2006). Channel. During the ride the ecological values of the Kopački rit Nature Park is situated in the northeastern part entire Park and its flora and fauna are interpreted; of Baranya, on the natural floodplain of European  Walking on the nature trails - Sakadaš, Veliki significance. Due to its natural values, Kopački rit was Sakadaš, Old Elm and paths in the complex Tikveš castle, designated on the List of Ramsar areas in 1993 – as the offering the possibility of education in addition to the stay wetlands of international importance [46]. In 1989, Kopački in beautiful nature; rit was also included on the list of Important Bird Areas  Visit to the site of Tikveš castle complex with the (IBAs) for bird protection, their habitats and global interpretation of its cultural, historical, natural and biodiversity that guides people on the sustainable usage of landscape values; natural resources. Furthermore, when Croatia accessed the  Cycling - Kopački rit is becoming more popular European Union, Kopački rit has become the part of the destination for bike tourists and cyclists from all over the Natura 2000 network. world. Riding through the parts of the Danube route and In addition to its natural heritage, the area of Kopački rit Pannonian peace route that partly go through Kopački Rit and the surrounding villages is also known for its rich enables the experience of unspoiled nature. There is the cultural heritage – there are settlements and fortifications Internet corner for all the visitors who come to the park by from the Roman era, the old and the new castle Tikveš, the bicycles; baroque Eugene Savoy castle from the 17th century and  Recreational fishing is a product of high potential religious objects, in particular the Christian Reformed whose development should be carefully directed in Church, as tradition says, constructed on the church built by accordance with the principles of environmental the Gauls in the fourth century. protection. Within the Nature Park, recreational fishing is In the proximity to the park there are several villages allowed in certain zones (Danube canals, pumping station where the population is mainly engaged in agriculture, Zlatna Greda, Vemeljski dunavac and Danube river); forestry and hunting. On the western edge of Kopački rit,  Birdwatching is one of the most attractive programs there are settlements Bilje, Kopačevo, Lug and Vardarac. for lovers of bird fauna; Wider area of the Nature Park includes the City of Osijek and  Canoeing through Kopački rit; Beli Manastir, municipalities of Čeminac and Darda, and the  Overnight stay in bio-ecological station for all those settlements TvrĎavica and Podravlje. who want a holiday in the countryside, away from the The village of Kopačevo is situated 4 km east of Bilje at bustle of the city and looking for a real pleasure the edge of the Kopački rit Nature Park. Kopačevo has about surrounded by the sounds of the forest; 500 inhabitants, mostly Hungarians. According to  Organizing conferences on various topics in the archaeological findings Kopačevo area has been inhabited conference hall of the bio-ecological station, capacity of since the second millennium BC. In the northern part of the 100 seats. village, the Romans built a settlement and a fort to defend There are several special events in the park, which attract themselves from the Barbarians. In the past, the entire more tourists each year, like Fairy nights, the Day of Eugene Kopačevo earned its living from fishing. As a memory of of Savoy castle, Fishermen's Days in Kopačevo, and STRAW those days, in early September each year Fishing days are - land art festival that brings together artists who make organized, serving seafood and game dishes. Today the sculptures from straw, thus combining the cultural and inhabitants of Kopačevo are mostly engaged in gardening, traditional heritage, using natural resources and promoting evidenced by numerous greenhouses. In the center of the the principles of sustainable development. village there was the Kopački rit Zoological Museum which Interesting contents attract an increasing number of was founded by naturalist and taxidermist Josip Majić, and visitors from Croatia and abroad. Over the last few years today, there is a collection of fishing tools and old tools around 34000-40000 Croatian and foreign guests visited homestead. Tourism is slowly evolving and the population Kopački rit [45]. Recognizing the potential, local population fits the old architecture in new ethno tourism facilities began to engage in ecotourism (eg. Eco-house Orlov put, largely owing to the fact that Kopački rit is a protected area Eco-center Zlatna Greda). Zlatna Greda is the first and that in recent years there were considerable investments eco-tourist agency in Croatia, founded in 2006, and owned in visitor infrastructure and tourist facilities in the park itself. by Green Osijek - the Association for the Protection of Tourist offer of the Park includes [45]: Nature and Environment. The Association Green Osijek is  Visit to the reception center located near the village very active in this area. Through the ISLAND 2010 project Kopačevo, which is considered the main entrance to the (Sustainable tourism and environmental education in Nature Park. There, the traditional values of the region are Kopački rit Nature Park) it initiated and conducted training interpreted, emphasizing the value of the Pannonian of students and residents about the development of architecture and films on the natural values of the area that ecotourism, as a model that conserves natural and traditional is not available for visits are shown; values of the area.

58 Vesna Đukić et al.: Responsible Community Based Ecotourism Initiatives in Protected Rural Areas of the Balkans: Case Studies from Serbia and Croatia

In the scope of the cross-border cooperation, Osijek – their tourist offer to the Park‟s and the surrounding area‟s Sombor project (2005-2006), in which Green Osijek, the offer, as well as in the joint organization of various City of Osijek, Green Network of Vojvodina and Sombor traditional events. The shifts are largely the result of the municipality participated, institutional relations were connection of the Park with the local community, tourist established, the bicycle route was constructed, concerts, boards and NGOs. The importance of the NGO Green Osijek youth camp and sporting events were organized. Another should be emphasized, which initiated a series of such project was “Development of cross-border tourism in international projects and raised funds for capacity building the middle Danube region” (2007-2009) in cooperation with of the local community for sustainable development and the Tourist Board of Osijek - Baranya County, the Tourist community-based tourism. Board of Osijek and the City of Sombor. The last in the series However, there are still a number of challenges - from of such projects is the project “Strengthening local capacity significant investment in infrastructure to the evaluation of for Natura 2000 and the Nature Conservation (2008-2009), existing cultural heritage and the creation of new tourist in cooperation of the Association Green Osijek, Department attractions and supply. It should also be noted that there is a of Biology, the Regional Development Agency and the need for further training of the employees of the Park, as well Croatian Society for the Protection of Birds and Nature. as of local people interested in the development of The implementation of an ecotourism project that ecotourism. Since the economic crisis in this region connects the mountain and lowland regions of Eastern impoverished the population even more, European funds are Slavonia and Baranya began in April 2013. "Two rivers, one the right way for new breakthroughs. The cross-border mountain - new ecotourism products of Drava, Danube and cooperation, networking and exchange of knowledge and Papuk" is a project which was designed and conducted in skills in the Balkans are a way for common sustainable living, partnership of the Association for the Protection of Nature while preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage. and Environment Green Osijek, National Park Danube-Drava and Nature Park Papuk. The project is co-financed by the European Union through the IPA CBC 3. Discussion and Modelling Hungary-Croatia with a goal of ensuring a sustainable model As it can be concluded form the analysis of the case of economic development and natural resource management studies, the two natural sites of similar geographic features in in the region along the Mura-Drava-Danube by the the two neighboring Balkan countries, Serbia and Croatia, introduction of new eco-tourism products and cross-border have similar treatment in terms of national legislation (both cooperation. areas are protected as a nature park). However, the difference The very concept of ecotourism is relatively new in the is that Kopacki Rit formally possesses international features Croatian tourism sector, but the potential for its development as well (Ramsar area, Important Bird Area and part of the in protected areas is very high, particularly because of the Natura 2000 network), which adds to the recognition and its diversity of natural and cultural heritage within and near protection and use capabilities. Nature park Ponjavica parks. actually attracts tourists thanks to the international Festival Kopački rit is set in strategic documents of the County as Žisel and international Eurovelo6 bicycle route. one of the key bearers of development that will link regional Both protected areas, while enjoying national protection, attractions to a unique tourism product. It requires the cannot be considered the areas of developed interaction of the entire region and its local population. Such community-based ecotourism in its complete form. Although synergetic effect will raise regional competitiveness and some of the predisposition are respected (involving achieve the main goal – strengthening of a regional individual initiatives, existence of the authentic atmosphere), prosperity. there is a lack of fulfillment of the other predispositions in Thus, the necessity to create and develop tourism product order to be able to speak about the concept as a whole. Also, that will suit the concept of rural tourism which integrates there are differences between Ponjavica and Kopački rit, cultural, rural, eco, sport, hunting, adventure, scientific, which are reflected in the following: religious, theme, ethnic, convention, transit and other  Development of Kopački Rit is defined in terms of a selective forms of tourism, and the bearers of development number of national policy documents, where it is being should be local and regional tourist boards and all subjects mentioned as one of the key players of regional participating in the creation of a tourism destination. development; on the other side Ponjavica is the subject of Kopački rit should serve as the hub of the overall tourist offer two documents – one is the Revision of the protection of Osijek-Baranya County. studies and the other is a Feasibility study of developing The development vision of Nature Park Kopački rit opted ecotourism in protected areas of Vojvodina. Both studies to become a mainstay of community development based on are only partially engaged with the development of the sustainable use of natural and cultural resources. In this ecotourism. In the case of Ponjavica management plan has direction, Kopački rit has made significant progress in the not been adopted yet. development of tourism programs in recent years and in the  Kopački Rit is developed in line with the top-down cooperation with the local population and the inclusion of initiatives that are important for setting clear strategic

American Journal of Tourism Management 2014, 3(1B): 51-63 59

directions, while Ponjavica is left exclusively to the State level (public sector) activities of individuals and civil society organizations  Museum of Science and Technology (research and registration of the that are implementing their activities, achieving a certain industrial-technical heritage in Omoljica)  Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia level of visibility which is still insufficient for  Fund for environment protection of the Republic of Serbia destination‟s promotion of a greater effect. On the other (co-funding of the projects) hand, the existence of such initiatives is important because State level (civil sector) they represent an actual strength and capacity that may be  Young researchers of Serbia (voluntary camp organization) important in the development of tourism, especially in its Provincial level (public sector)  Provincial Institute for Nature Protection development based on consulting and cooperation with  Provincial Secretariat for Urban Planning, Construction and the community. Environmental Protection  In conjunction with top-down initiatives, there have  University of Novi Sad, Department of geography, tourism and hotel been noticeable investments in recent years in Kopački Rit management (project of Feasibility study) in cooperation with that were aimed at improving infrastructure and tourist Provincial Secretariat and Fund for environment protection of the Republic of Serbia. facilities, while everything what was done in Ponjavica Municipality level (public sector) reflects an effort of individuals and civil sector without  City of Pančevo (resolution of Nature Park protection, appointment any systemic institutional support. In this regard, there is of a guardian – DVP Tamiš-Dunav, financial assistance) still a lack of basic infrastructure and tourism investment  City public water management company Tamiš-Dunav (mid-term that would encourage the development of community- protection and development plan for Nature Park Ponjavica)  Institute for Cultural Heritage Preservation Pančevo (no initiatives based ecotourism. so far)  In Kopački Rit there have been recognized initiatives Local community level (public sector) of individuals and civil society organizations, while  Local office (installation of memorial plaques) together with the making efforts to empower them in establishing civil initiative of a community chronicler cooperation with local tourist organizations. On the other  House of culture (festival Žisel) Local community level (private sector) side, individuals, associations and organizations (as  Recycling center BIS (sludge extraction) mentioned before) are the only ones operating, so that at  „Fisherman's daughter‟ restaurant this site greater involvement of local government,  Households that produce domestic food specialties (white cheese, authorized park custodian as well as the state should take brandy, pork products etc) place, which could lead towards linking a bottom-up Local community level (civil sector - NGO)  Association of Environmentalists Ponjavica activities with the national institutional framework  Riding club with Ethno house and racetrack required for the establishment of the community-based  Hunting and fishing club‟s restaurants ecotourism concept. Kopački rit  The headquarters of the NGO Green Osijek in Croatia International level lies outside of the protected area, while in Serbia the seat  World Wildlife Fund of the Association of the environmentalist Ponjavica is  European Commission (IPA projects)  Coca-Cola Company located in the nature park, so it is closer to the citizens of State level (public sector) local community. Common to both organizations is that  Ministry of Environmental and Nature Protection, Republic of initiatives are driven by nature lovers who live in nearby Croatia urban centers, although some of them originate from  State Institute for Nature Protection protected areas. Thus, they are introducing innovative  Croatian Waters, public company  Croatian Forests, public company entrepreneurial solutions to the rural communities. Those  Kopački rit Nature Park solutions could contribute to the social, economic and County level (public sector) cultural development of the village.  Osijek-Baranja County  The Danube, which flows through the Balkans,  County agency for nature protection management, Osijek-Baranja presents the greatest development potential as seen in County  Tourist Board of Osijek-Baranja County „The EU Strategy for the Danube Region‟, but protected Local level (public sector) nature parks on the banks of the river have not yet  City of Osijek recognized the advantages of its geostrategic location and  Settlement of Tikveš development opportunities contained in the various forms  Settlement of Kozjak  Settlement of Kopačevo of cooperation.  Settlement of Podunavlje Current structure of stakeholders and their intiatives in  Osijek tourist board both nature parks is depicted in the following comperative Local level (private sector) table:  Kormoran restaurant  Orlov put, eco farm Table 1. Comparative stakeholder initiative analysis  Zlatna greda, eco center Local level (civil sector - NGO) Ponjavica  Green Osijek, association for nature and environment protection International level  Slama, association  Eurovelo6  Čuvari tradicije princa Eugena Savojskog, association

60 Vesna Đukić et al.: Responsible Community Based Ecotourism Initiatives in Protected Rural Areas of the Balkans: Case Studies from Serbia and Croatia

To conclude, in the case of Nature Park Ponjavica it is the state that should be involved in order to achieve a real obvious that different levels of territorial jurisdiction are community engagement in decision-making process present. On the one hand, there are state and provincial regarding tourism development, not only the involvement activities reflected on legislative regulation and occasional related to the benefits from the tourism industry. In doing so, funding. On the other hand, there are efforts of individual the exchange of experiences, knowledge and skills in the initiatives in the local community with a number of activities management of local development which is based on similar financed by their personal means. Represented as local natural resources and partly similar cultural heritage in the government, Municipality of Pančevo is the weakest analyzed areas of the Nature Park Ponjavica and the Nature stakeholder in terms of protection, management and funding, Park Kopački Rit regardless of different countries, Serbia and until it takes a more active role in the maintenance and and Croatia, in which they are located, is a prerequisite for development of continuous strategic activities none of the rapid adoption of the concept and a successful application of activities at local community level could be expected. In the community-based ecotourism practices. case of Nature Park Kopački Rit, public sector is the most The purpose of this paper is to develop a model of active on all three territorial levels (state, county and local) responsible community-based ecotourism which could be due to its recognition in a number of key strategic national implemented in protected rural areas in the proximity of the documents. As a result of strategic efforts of the state and large cities and towns in the Danube basin in the Balkan continuous activities on its affirmation, Kopački Rit is also region. The community based tourism model based on the included in international projects and activities of the examples of initiatives in Serbia and Croatia represents a international associations which enable its development in a sectional view of activities in the area of rural development wider regional and global framework. in a local community where it originates due to the protected The perceived similarity between the two cultural and natural heritage of that particular region and above-mentioned destinations is reflected in the newer innovations in tourism implemented in the last few underdeveloped system of participation and inclusion of years by the local community. As shown in Figure 1, larger number of local initiatives in decision-making, traditional and customary activities, new initiatives and the planning and management. Bearing in mind that it is a existing resources are connected in this model through tendency of almost all destinations in the Balkan region, we integration of the top-down and bottom-up approach for cannot talk about the omissions of these two sites. It is rather deliberation and strategic planning of local development.

Figure 1. Community based model applicable in rural areas of the Balkans (Source: Authors)

American Journal of Tourism Management 2014, 3(1B): 51-63 61

The main guidelines for modeling must be adapted to each social capital that becomes the outcome and a key factor for local context where applied. First, for the successful design local development. of a responsible community-based ecotourism destination, Institutional support in both cases starts from a strategic the characteristics of the particular destination should be in framework at a national level which is rarely familiarized line with the international strategy documents, national with the intersectoral cooperation and connectivity and development strategies and, of course, local development which observes the concept of CBT partially through the and planning documents. Furthermore, in order to develop a sphere of the environment, nature, culture and rural destination in line with this concept it needs to include (in development. The situation is somewhat better at the county addition to the relevant documents) all the efforts of level in Croatia and in the province of Vojvodina, which individuals and organizations on the site, so to supplement have integrated development strategies and which identify the provided plan with the bottom-up activities without cross-sectoral cooperation as a basis for development. which there cannot be a development of a successful Analysis of the two destinations with similar community-based ecotourism destination. Unified actions of characteristics indicated the situation and the problems they the state and local governments, as well as individuals and encounter, and the general conclusion that can be drawn is groups at the local level, should be interwoven throughout all that the successful operation of community-based stages of the development of destinations and products - ecotourism destinations needs the support of state and local from resources mapping through products creating, governments, because in this way the institutional promotion, sales and use of revenues. It is of particular framework is being set and strategic planning of destination importance that revenues stay in the community and that the is being provided. The highlight of these examples is the authenticity of the environment and the local traditional existence of local stakeholders‟ initiatives that have values are not violated. Also, very significant matter in participated in the preparation of strategic documents at the setting the model is a creation of measurable instruments that local level and have ensured planning niches for their may (in addition to the number and satisfaction of visitors initiatives. and tourism revenues) also measure community satisfaction It is necessary to involve the individuals, groups and regarding the tourism development. It is very important not organizations in the local community in the planning and to allow uncontrolled development of tourism, as well as to implementation of the strategy, because they are closest to leave the opportunity for changes if it turns out to be the wish the situation on the field and have a sensibility for the of a local community. analysis of the capacity and capabilities at the local level. Although it requires some work on the creation of particular mechanisms, the cooperation of local authorities and other 4. Conclusions members of the community must be enabled. Moreover, the local authorities must have a high level of functionality in Though the terminology is relatively new, the concept of order to produce adequate outcomes useful for planning. community-based ecotourism is essentially the concept that Feedback from the members of the community and research is most responsible for all the aspects of a community in are of great importance for understanding the success of this which it takes place – nature, culture and its socio-economic concept, as well as the constant effort to establish and status as well. This concept entails people's commitment to maintain the quality of the original values upon which the use all available local resources and to trigger development development of tourism in the destination began. Of course, and prosperity through local initiatives. despite these relatively universal drafts, any planning of The tendency in the development of eco-tourism in the community-based ecotourism destinations should be adapted Balkans has been primarily focused on the protection and use to the local context and conditions of the community. of natural resources, with an emphasis on limited visits of Meanwhile, this model which has developed on its own natural heritage and its interpretation. In order to create a accord and separately in two different places in the Balkans community-based ecotourism, a culture of the local and that we have presented in this paper can serve as a good community appears as an important factor. It is necessary to example for other rural areas in the region. connect the culture with the natural resources in order to create complex images so that visitors could be able to develop an awareness of the community and the local way of ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS life. Thus, local values are emphasized and a certain kind of pride of local community members of their own culture We would like to thank Provincial Institute for Nature could be created, which is a prerequisite for strengthening Protection (Vojvodina, Serbia) and Vladimir Stojanović, local cultural identity. In addition to connecting natural and associate professor at the Department of geography, cultural heritage in order to meet requirements of tourism, tourism and hotel management, University of Novi Sad, for entrepreneurial development component is often present in providing us the relevant documents. rural areas. Enterpreneurial development is particularly evident in social innovation and as a result it has a new

62 Vesna Đukić et al.: Responsible Community Based Ecotourism Initiatives in Protected Rural Areas of the Balkans: Case Studies from Serbia and Croatia

REFERENCES Methuen, 1985. [1] World Commission on Environment and Development. Our [20] Salazar, N.B., Community-based cultural tourism: issues, common future. Oxford and New York: Oxford University threats and opportunities, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Press, 1987. Vol. 20, No. 1, January 2012, 9-22. [2] Wisansing, J., 2008, Towards community driven tourism [21] The Thailand Community Based Institute, cbt-i. (2012) planning: a critical review of theoretical demands and Community Based Tourism. [Online]. Available: practical issues, AU-GSB e-Journal, 1(1), 47-59. http://www.cbt-i.org/2012/travel.php. [3] Reid, D., Mair, H., George, W., 2004, Community tourism [22] Fennel, D., Ecotourism: an introduction. London: Routledge, planning: A self-assessment instrument, Annals of Tourism 1999. Research , 31(3), 623-639. [23] WWF International. (2001) Guidelines for community-based [4] Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism of South ecotourism development. [Online]. Available:http://www.wi Africa. (2003) Responsible tourism handbook. [Online]. decast.org/Resources/Docs/WWF_2001_Community_Based Available: https://www.globalnature.org/bausteine.net/f/580 _Ecotourism_Develop.pdf. 1/Tourismhandbook.pdf. [24] Situmorang, D.B.M., Mirzanti, I. R., Social entrepreneurship [5] National Trust for Historic Preservation. (2011). Four steps of to develop ecotourism, International Conference on Small successful and sustainable cultural heritage tourism. [Online]. and Medium Enterprises Development with a Theme „ Available: http://culturalheritagetourism.org/resources/docu Innovation and Sustainability in SME Development ments/FourStepsDefinitions 2010_000.pdf. “(ICSMED 2012), Procedia Economics and Finance 4 (2012) 398-405. Available: www.sciencedirect.com. [6] Lóránt, D., Tünde, A., Responsible Tourism and Tourism Ecology, Foruem geografic. Studii şi cercetări de geografie şi [25] Popesku, J., Menadžment turističke destinacije [Management protecţia mediului, Year 9, No. 9/2010, pp. 191-196. of a tourist destination]. Belgrade, Serbia: Univerzitet Singidunum, 2011. [7] Summary Report of the Consultation on the European Charter for Sustainable and Responsible Tourism, European [26] Stojanović, V., Pavić, D., and Minučer, M., 2008, Korišćenje Commission. Enterprise and Industry Directorate-General, prirodnih potencijala ritova u Vojvodini i odnos prema ideji Service Industries, Tourism Policy, Brussels, October 2012. održivog razvoja [Use of natural resources of wetlands in Vojvodina according to the sustainable development concept]. [8] Wood, M.E., 2001, Ecotourism and sustainable development, Zbornik Matice srpske za prirodne nauke [Anthology of UNEP Industry and Environment, 24(3-12). Matica srpska for natural sciences], 115, 109-116.

[9] Eagles, F. J., Mccool, S.F., Haynes, D. A., Sustainable tourism [27] Stojanović, V., Lazić, L., Pavić, D., Panjović, B., Košić, K., in protected areas: guidelines for planning and management. Dragin, A., Stankov, U., Jovanović, M., Panteliuć, M., IUCN Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK, 2002, 183 pp. Stamenković, I. and Ivanović, M. Studija izvodljivosti razvoja ekoturizma u zaštićenim prirodnim dobrima [10] Wood, M.E., Ecotourism: principles, practices and policies Vojvodine (sa posebnim osvrtom na Ramsarska područja) for sustainability. UNEP, Paris: 2002. [Feasibility study for development of ecotourism in protected areas of Vojvodina (with special reference to the Ramsar [11] Kiss, A., 2004, Is community-based ecotourism a good use of areas)], Novi Sad, Serbia: Prirodno-matematički fakultet biodiversity conservation funds? Trends in Ecology and [Faculty of natural sciences], 2011. Evolution, 19 (5), 232-237. [28] Tišma, S., Maleković, S., Zaštita okoliša i regionalni razvoj: [12] Murphy, P. E., 1983, Tourism as a community industry, iskustva i perspektive [Environment protection and regional Tourism Management, September, 180-193. development: experiences and perspectives], Zagreb, Croatia: [13] Haywood, M., 1988, Responsible and responsive tourism Institut za meĎunarodne odnose [Institute for Development planning in the community, Tourism Management, June, and International Relations (IRMO)], 2009. 105-118. [29] Marušić, Z., Tomljenović, R., Stavovi i potrošnja posjetitelja [14] Simmons, D. G.,1994, Community participation in tourism nacionalnih parkova i parkova prirode u Hrvatskoj [Attitudes planning, Tourism Management, 15(2), 98-108. and expenditures of visitors to national parks and nature parks in Croatia], TOMAS Nacionalni parkovi i parkovi prirode [15] Timothy, D. J., 1999, Participatory planning, a view of [National and nature parks], Zagreb, Croatia: Institut za tourism in Indonesia, Annals of Tourism Research, 26(2), turizam [Tourism Institute], 2006. 371-391. [30] Kramarić, Ž., Tišma, S., Ozimec, K., Demonja, D., 2006, [16] Richards, G., and Hall, D., Ed, Tourism and sustainable Analysis of ecotourism development potential in protected community development. London: Routledge, 2000. areas in the Republic of Croatia and recommendations, Croatian International Relations Review, 12, 105-119. [17] Beeton, S. (2006) Community development through tourism. [Online]. Available: www.landlinks.com. [31] Malić-Limari, S., Vrednovanje parka prirode Medvjednica s obzirom na biljni pokrov, reljef i učestalost posjetitelja [18] Okazaki, E., 2008, A Community-Based Tourism Model: its [Evaluation of Nature Park Medvednica with respect to Conception and use, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 16(5), vegetation, relief and frequency of visitors], Magistarski rad 511-529. [Master thesis], Zagreb, Croatia: Prirodoslovno-matematički fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu [Faculty of natural sciences, [19] Murphy, P., Tourism: a community approach. New York: University of Zagreb], 2009.

American Journal of Tourism Management 2014, 3(1B): 51-63 63

[32] Jelinčić, D. A., Tišma, S., 2010, Linking Cultural and Natural „Ponjavica“ pod zaštitu kao zaštićeno područje III kategorije Resources fot Tourism Development in Protected Areas in [The proposal to protect the Nature Park "Ponjavica" as a Croatia, Geoadria, 15(2), 327-341. protected area of III category], Novi Sad, Serbia, 2012. [33] Yin, R. K., Case study research: Design and methods, [40] River areas of Serbia. [Online]. Available: http://revirisrbije. Newbury Park, CA: Sage, 1984. com/centar-za-promocije/predstavljamo/ponjavica-divlji-%C 5%A1arm-banatske-oaze. [34] Department for Village and Rural Development, City of Pančevo. [Online]. Available: http://www.pancevo.rs/Podrsk [41] Djukić, V., 2013, Upravljanje duhom mesta: studija Parka a_lokalne_samouprave_Panceva_razvoju_seoskog_turizma- prirode Ponjavica [Spirit of the place management: study of 1-1-2176 [Acessed on May 2, 2013]. Nature Park Ponjavica]. In: Čitalište, 22, 2013., ed.by Gordana Stokić Simončić, Novi Sad, Serbia: Filozofski [35] Djukić Dojčinović, V., Rural Tourism and development in fakultet [Faculty of philosophy]. Vojvodina: The animation of Tourism-Cultural Relationships. In: World future, Culture and development: European [42] ICOMOS (2008). Quebec declaration on the preservation of Experiences and Challenges special issue, ed.by Ervin Laszlo, the spirit of the place. [Online]. Available: http://whc.unesco. 33(1-3), 189-198, 1992. org/uploads/activities/documents/activity-646-2.pdf. [36] Lifestyle – urban guidebook for Pančevo (2013) International [43] Nature Protection Act of the Republic of Croatia. [Online]. Volunteer Camp Sunflower. [Online]. Available: Available:http://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2013_ http://www.pancevolifestyle.rs/index.php/lifestyle-magazin/ 06_80_1658.html. magazin/173-medunarodni-volonterski-kamp-sunflower. [44] County development strategy of Osijek-Baranya County [37] Mileker, S., Istorija banatske vojničke granice [History of 2011-2013. [Online]. Available: Županijska razvojna Banat military border] 1761-1873. Pančevo, Serbia: Istorijski strategija Osječko-baranjske županije 2011. - 2013, arhiv [Historical archive], 2004. http://www.obz.hr/hr/index.php?tekst=972. [38] Radio Television Pančevo (2012). [Online]. Available: [45] Management Plan of Kopački Rit Nature Park. [Online]. http://rtvpancevo.rs/Vesti/Lokal/omoljani-obeleili-dve-stogo Available: http://www.kopacki-rit.com/zastita.html. dinjice.html. [46] Ramsarska konvencija o močvarnim staništima [Ramsar [39] Pokrajinski zavod za zaštitu prirode [Provincial Institute for konvention on wetlands], http://www.ramsar.org/cda/en/ram Nature Protection], Predlog za stavljanje Parka prirode sar-home/main/ramsar/1_4000_0__.